The just-announced claim is that when it goes into regular service in about a dozen years, the Boeing airliner will fly non-stop between New York and London in two hours, and Los Angeles and Tokyo in three hours.

Of course, that won’t speed up the extra hours passengers must spend on the ground before flights. They include weather delays, driving to the airport, parking, long waiting lines and surviving touchie-feelie security body checks.

Delta Airlines Bans Pit Bulls In Passenger Compartments

It seems there have been too many unhappy sky-high encounters between pit bulls and people in the sky. So, next time you fly and want to take your canine pal with you, make sure that more friendly breed is allowed to be sitting with you on a Delta or other airline flight.

Some Foreign Airlines Offer Volunteer Stopover Deals

For example, book a flight on Norwegian Air, with the destination of Paris. The schedule includes a stop in Oslo. Normally, you’d stay on the plane for the hour or so it takes other travelers to exit and enter.

However, suppose the airline offered you a free night at an Oslo hotel, dinner and other goodies worth several hundred dollars? That’s the trend these days for some foreign airlines to get you to spend time and money in their home city. Would you, a senior with no particular reason to hurry, add a free day or two to the journey? When booking your next overseas flight with a stopover, ask if the airline offers this attractive freebee.

Long Beach CA: Aquarium Of The Pacific Gets Bigger

Marking its 20th year, the facility has added a new wing and more exhibits. Be sure to spend some friendly time with Fern, a playful zebra shark, Cain, the sea lion, and many other creatures of the ocean. The park will also feature a new theater and bright outdoor dancing fountains. For special programs, tickets and other info, go to www.aquariumofpacific.org

Amtrak Trains Now Serving Up Upscale Menus

Passengers riding along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor enjoy ritzier dining and beverage choices while aboard the trains. The new service is called Corridor Café Menu, with average price for a ham sandwich with a Coke at $10. As reported by USA Today, the meals are more healthy and varied then those previously served.

Your elderly travel4seniors.com editor has train memories that go back to the 1940s and the food available on Amtrak’s predecessor, the Pennsylvania Railroad. For example, the basic ham sandwich with a Coke then cost 25¢. The sandwich consisted of two lean pieces of soggy white bread with a single slice of ham inside that was so thin it was almost transparent. Let’s hope today’s menu is a bit more appealing and generous.